Applications & Technical Information

Alpha ionizers use a radioactive element that emits Helium ions from its nucleus. The emitted Helium ion has sufficient energy to travel about 3 centimeters in air. As it travels it strips electrons from surrounding air molecules. Each gas molecule that loses an electron becomes a positive ion. The free electron quickly attaches to another gas molecule and it becomes a negative ion. In this way, each alpha particle that is emitted always creates one positive and one negative ion. Hence, alpha ionizers produce an intrinsically balanced output.

Because each product is designed for a different application, it may have unique mounting, power, or environmental requirements. Our application engineers are trained to assist you select the best static eliminator for your application, and will discuss any special requirements with you. Every static eliminator is delivered with installation, care and operating instructions. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our toll free number.

Our alpha ionizer static eliminators contain a small amount of radioactive material and are considered sealed sources. Before NRD is granted a license to manufacture and distribute a static eliminator containing radioactive material, the design must pass a safety analysis and battery of tests mandated by state and federal agencies, and defined by ANSI/ISO standards. Our manufacturing processes and quality assurance procedures are reviewed and audited to assure compliance.

Every alpha ionizer is leak tested before shipment. NRD has been manufacturing and distributing alpha ionizers for over 30 years, and during that time the only instances of contamination were when the integrity of an ionizer was compromised by physical abuse, such as drilling a hole through it or cutting it. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our toll free number.

Hot static eliminators are constructed so that the emitter pins are directly coupled to the high voltage power supply.

NRD offers both types of ionizers.

NRD Alpha ionizers use a small amount of radioactive material that has a half-life of 138 days. After 12 months have elapsed, the activity of the device has reduced to 15% of its original activity and should be replaced to assure optimal static control of your process. In addition, the regulatory body that governs the manufacture and distribution of our devices requires that all our alpha products be inspected 13 months after manufacture. By returning the device to NRD, we can perform the required testing on our customer’s behalf.